Colorado Avalanche

NHL 14: Colorado Avalanche Guide

Founded / Joined: 1972 (Quebec Nordiques) / 1979

Championships: 2

History:

The franchise was founded in 1972 as the Quebec Nordiques, but first became a member of the NHL in 1979. The club relocated to Denver, Colorado in 1994 and won the Stanley Cup during that same season, becoming the first NHL team to win the Cup in their first season following a relocation.

Overview:

The Avalanche will enter the 2013/14 season with promise. Captain Gabriel Landeskog will bring energy and excitement to the Pepsi Center every night in his second season in charge. The question is, how much energy will the Aves need to make a playoff push. Semyon Varlamov will start the season off as the number 1. He has had an interesting up and down start to his NHL career. 1st overall draft pick Nathan Mackinnon will surely be a highlight of Colorado’s season this year. The Aves have a nice mix of veterans and youngsters. Milan Hejduk will bring experience to people like Matt Duchene and Ryan O’Reilly. P.A. Parenteau will help will 2nd line scoring for the team along with Paul Stastny and Matt Duchene.

How to Play as the Avalanche:

With the Avalanche balanced attack, feel free to use whatever lines you would like! There are no real stars in Colorado. Anybody can score on any particular shift. You are strong in the faceoff dot with Matt Duchene and Ryan O’Reilly taking the draws. P.A. Parenteau often goes unnoticed but try to find him off the halfboards and you will have success. Aside from Erik Johnson, you are weak on defense so be wary of this in NHL 14.

Fun Fact:

The Colorado Avalanche have the all-time NHL record for the longest consecutive attendance sell outs at home games with 487.